Looking for home improvements and better landscape? HBAWC Home Show is the place to be

Spring is just around the corner and many homeowners’ thoughts drift to ways they can improve their homes and yards. More than 200 vendors will come together under one roof to offer advice and products to help those interested in home construction or improvements at the Home Builders Association of Washington County’s annual Home Show.

This year’s show will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hagerstown Community College’s Athletic Recreational Community Center (ARCC), 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown.

HBAWC Board Member and past President Carl Vogel said attendees can expect to find products and services related to their home.

“Visitors will be able to speak to professionals in their industries,” Vogel said. “There is always new products and services available to discuss with clients.”

Originally started as a vehicle to showcase the builder members of the Association, the show has grown over the past three decades to feature any product or service related to the building industry and the home.

“The show provides a unique opportunity for visitors and vendors to meet face to face and discuss their plans for their home. Visitors can then schedule a home visit for a more detailed evaluation of their needs,” Vogel said.

In 1997, the home show was moved to the HCC ARCC, the largest exhibition facility in Washington County, to accommodate the demand for exhibitor space and the ever-increasing number of attendees. Through an aggressive marketing plan, the event consistently attracts an average of 5,000 attendees each year.

HBAWC Board Member Kelli Nunnally said she believes the event is popular because attendees can meet with lots of different vendors all under one roof. She added that there is also a fun photo booth at the show this year.

Vogel, who is sales coordinator for Oliver Homes, Inc., said participating in the Home Show is a great way to show off your business in front of several thousand local visitors to the show.

He said this year, Oliver Homes has introduced two new floor plans that attendees can learn about at the show.

“One is a Cape Cod plan and the other is a one-story plan. These are very affordable plans and the plans meet the needs of many clients,” Vogel said.

Nunnally is in design and sales for J&D Kitchen Distributors. She said the business participates in the event each year because they get terrific exposure from the show and like to support the HBAWC.

“I believe that vendors who have the best experience from the Home Show are those that come year after year and who engage with people and don’t just sit in their booths waiting for someone to ask them a question. We have lots of good informative conversations. We aren’t looking to ‘sell’ but to inform at the show,” Nunnally said.

She said her company will be showing cabinets and countertops for kitchen and baths.

“Mostly, we offer advice on how to proceed with a remodel or cabinets for a new home,” Nunnally said.

Thomas and Karen Grosh, founders and owners of Grosh’s Lawn Service, will be participating in the Home Show for the 12th time.

Thomas Grosh said his business participates in the Home Show because it is the best avenue where all the professionals from all of the trades can be found in one location. It also allows potential clients to meet in person with all trades in one central location.

“If Grosh’s Lawn Service is not at the Home Show each year we can not help people solve their lawn care and landscaping issues with our services,” Grosh said.

Grosh is anticipating a busy Home Show this year.

“The warm temperatures already have people excited about spring and the improvements they want to make to their property,” Grosh said.

The business will feature the main services that have been their staple for the last 30 years, weekly lawn mowing services, landscape design build and landscape maintenance services for residential and commercial properties.

“We talk to and help hundreds of people each year at the Home Show with topics ranging from ‘Why do I have little holes in the lawn?’ to ‘Why will grass not grow under our maple tree?’ to ‘My home needs a landscape enhancement to enhance the curb appeal of our home and property,’” Grosh explained.

A HBAWC member, Grosh said he looks forward each year to the Home Show because “it is truly the start of spring to us.”

Admission to the Home Show is $2 for adults and children 12 and under are free.